Last week, the New Hampshire House again passed a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana, this time without trying to establish a regulated commercial market for it.

Under the bill, adults could possess up to three-quarters of an ounce of marijuana, five grams of hashish and up to 300 milligrams of cannabis infused products.

Adults may cultivate up to six plants, which must be in a secure location out of public sight and may process the plants at their home.

Adults could give marijuana to other adults, but not sell it or use it as a financial reward.

Use of marijuana would not be allowed in public and all penalties involving minors would not change under the bill.

This year’s legalization supporters said they wanted to keep it simple, according to the prime sponsor, Rep. Carol McGuire, R-Epsom.

“This is very simple, it legalizes personal use of marijuana and marijuana products, including growing a limited number of plants,” McGuire said, “There are no regulations because there are no sales.”

Opponents of the bill said legislators should think carefully before taking the next step in legalization. Rep. Patrick Abrami, R-Stratham, who chaired a marijuana study commission several years ago, said this year’s bill reflects the legalization program approved by Vermont.

“There is no revenue generated for addiction or treatment or for enforcement,” Abrami said. “And no one should say marijuana is not addicting,” referring to testimony from treatment program counselors at the public hearing.

Still, this bill – if passed in the Senate – likely will be vetoed by Gov. Chris Sununu. And, rightly so. The Granite State is facing enough problems on the drug abuse and mental health fronts. We certainly do not need to make our current problems any worse.

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